Jan 17, 2026
In this episode, Stephen Seckler speaks with Oran Kaufman, a mediator with an extensive background in family law. They discuss Oran's journey from litigation to mediation, the skills required to be a mediator, and how mediation has changed over the last 30 years. Oran shares insights on the differences between mediation and litigation, the importance of listening, and the challenges of building a mediation practice. The conversation also touches on collaborative law, alternative legal careers, and the impact of technology on mediation.
Takeaways
- Mediation requires a different skill set than litigation.
- Listening is a crucial skill for both mediators and lawyers.
- Transitioning from litigation to mediation can lower work related stress.
- Collaborative law offers an alternative to traditional litigation.
- Silence can be a powerful tool in mediation.
- There are several challenges in building a mediation practice that differ from building a law practice.
- Technology has expanded the reach of mediation services.
Timeline
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:17 Oran Kaufman's Journey into Family Mediation
05:45 Transitioning from Litigation to Mediation
08:47 The Nature of Family Mediation
11:38 Skills and Challenges of Mediation
13:58 Building a Mediation Practice
16:21 Collaborative Law and Mediation
18:50 Qualities of a Good Mediator
21:44 Exploring Alternative Legal Careers
24:29 The Evolution of Mediation